People living near a beauty spot have told how their lives are being ruined by gangs of noisy off-road bikers.

They say Toads Hole Valley in Hangleton, once a haven for dog walkers and picnicking families, is being turned into an illegal racecourse every weekend.

Residents in nearby Downland Drive and Burwash Road say they become prisoners in their own homes when dozens of mini-motorcyclists descend on the valley.

The Argus is campaigning to stop the menace of rogue minimotorbike riders who flout the law.

Police receive dozens of complaints a day from people across Sussex who are fed up with the sound of revving engines day and night.

In October 2004, plasterer Ian Thompson, 25, was killed when he was thrown off a mini motorbike and hit by a taxi.

His death, thought to be the first minibike fatality in Sussex, sparked calls for tougher measures to curb illegal riding.

Minibike offences are the biggest youth problem in Crawley. Police there receive up to 20 calls a day about them.

Officers launched a crackdown last year on antisocial riders and illegally-ridden bikes in the three hot spot areas of Bewbush/Ifield West, Pound Hill and Furnace Green.

In Adur, residents have complained about minibikes driven illegally on roads, pavements and in parks.

The Argus has joined forces with Hove Labour MP Celia Barlow to call for legislation surrounding the machines to be tightened.

People living near Toads Hole Valley fear someone will be killed if nothing is done to stop the bikers, who reportedly come from as far as Eastbourne, Croydon and Haywards Heath.

Hangleton councillor Dawn Barnett, who has launched a petition calling for action, said said: "These people turn up in huge vans with bikes in the back early in the morning.

They spend all day tearing across the valley.

"It is not safe to let the kids out any more because it is like a racecourse. There is a sign that says no bikes but it is just ignored and no one is doing anything. If nothing is done someone will die, whether it's one of the bikers or an innocent child they run over."

In 2000, land owner Cook Estates dug deep ditches around the valley to stop bikers getting on to the land.

But residents said the problem has got worse as sales of mini motorbikes rocket. They fear that as the days get longer and the weather improves, more bikers will descend on the beauty spot.

Linda Clark, 53, of Burwash Road, said: "It's a nightmare and it is getting worse. All weekend from dawn until dusk they are out there and it is only going to get worse as the weather improves. You can't open your windows because there is a constant drone of the engines. It's like being a prisoner in your own home and people have had enough."

Viv Sayers, 60, of Downland Crescent, said: "It's not just families this is affecting. Toads Hole Valley is a haven for wildlife. There are foxes, rabbits and all sorts up there but the valley is being destroyed. I used to take my dogs up there in the morning but it is just too dangerous these days. I've been missed by inches by some of these motorbikes."

Ms Barlow has received many complaints from residents about youths tearing around streets and parks, often late at night.The bikes may look like toys but can reach 60mph. The MP has backed a Private Members' Bill which would require all off-road motorbikes to be registered.

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